Difference between revisions of "BioShock 2"
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SargeCassidy (talk | contribs) (→Availability: Added unknown DRM to the Marketplace row as per the archived listing.) |
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|lutris = bioshock-2 | |lutris = bioshock-2 | ||
|strategywiki = BioShock 2 | |strategywiki = BioShock 2 | ||
− | |mobygames = | + | |mobygames = 45089 |
|wikipedia = BioShock 2 | |wikipedia = BioShock 2 | ||
|winehq = 11104 | |winehq = 11104 | ||
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'''General information''' | '''General information''' | ||
{{mm}} [https://forums.2k.com/forumdisplay.php?71-BioShock-amp-BioShock-2-General-Discussion 2K Games Forum] | {{mm}} [https://forums.2k.com/forumdisplay.php?71-BioShock-amp-BioShock-2-General-Discussion 2K Games Forum] | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/sections/200300223-BioShock-2 Official support knowledgebase] | ||
{{GOG.com links|1111208428|bioshock_series|for game series}} | {{GOG.com links|1111208428|bioshock_series|for game series}} | ||
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/8850/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions] | {{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/8850/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions] | ||
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{{Availability/row| Humble | bioshock-2 | Steam | | | Windows, OS X }} | {{Availability/row| Humble | bioshock-2 | Steam | | | Windows, OS X }} | ||
{{Availability/row| Steam | 8850 | Steam | Bundled with [[BioShock 2 Remastered]] | | Windows, OS X }} | {{Availability/row| Steam | 8850 | Steam | Bundled with [[BioShock 2 Remastered]] | | Windows, OS X }} | ||
− | {{Availability/row| Games for Windows Marketplace | GFWL | GFWL | <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521000340/http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Games/BioShock-2/|title=BioShock 2 - Games For Windows|date=2022-11-16}}</ref> | | Windows | unavailable }} | + | {{Availability/row| Games for Windows Marketplace | GFWL | GFWL, unknown | <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521000340/http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Games/BioShock-2/|title=BioShock 2 - Games For Windows|date=2022-11-16}}</ref> | | Windows | unavailable }} |
}} | }} | ||
− | {{ii}} All non-Steam/GOG Windows versions require {{DRM|GFWL|SSA=no|ZDPP=no|local= | + | {{ii}} All non-Steam/GOG Windows versions require {{DRM|GFWL|SSA=no|ZDPP=no|local=true}} |
{{++}} All Windows retail and digital versions of BioShock 2 activate on Steam.<ref name="Steamworks"/> Activation unlocks all DLC, including Minerva's Den, and [[BioShock 2 Remastered]]. | {{++}} All Windows retail and digital versions of BioShock 2 activate on Steam.<ref name="Steamworks"/> Activation unlocks all DLC, including Minerva's Den, and [[BioShock 2 Remastered]]. | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Restore correct audio settings|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Restore correct audio settings|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
− | # Download | + | # Download {{file|SoundMixStates.ini}} from [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=322637977 Fix Quiet Guns and Unbalanced Audio - Restoring the Retail Audio Mix]. |
− | # Go to | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\SP\Content\System}} and place {{file|SoundMixStates.ini}} inside. |
}} | }} | ||
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}} | }} | ||
{{ii}} Achievements and saves for the [[Steam]] and [[Games for Windows - LIVE]] versions are separate (a new game is required when switching versions). | {{ii}} Achievements and saves for the [[Steam]] and [[Games for Windows - LIVE]] versions are separate (a new game is required when switching versions). | ||
− | {{ii}} SP saves: {{ | + | {{ii}} SP saves: {{folder|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Bioshock2\SaveGames}} |
− | {{ii}} MP saves: {{ | + | {{ii}} MP saves: {{file|{{p|appdata}}\Bioshock2Steam\{{P|uid}}.profile}} |
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]=== | ||
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|borderless windowed = false | |borderless windowed = false | ||
|borderless windowed notes = | |borderless windowed notes = | ||
− | |anisotropic = | + | |anisotropic = always on |
|anisotropic notes = See [[#Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]. | |anisotropic notes = See [[#Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]. | ||
|antialiasing = hackable | |antialiasing = hackable | ||
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|60 fps notes = | |60 fps notes = | ||
|120 fps = true | |120 fps = true | ||
− | |120 fps notes = No frame rate or refresh rate cap.<ref> | + | |120 fps notes = No frame rate or refresh rate cap.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160913143805/http://120hz.net/showthread.php?3258-New-120Hz-Games-Report|title=New 120Hz Games Report|date=May 2023}}</ref> Physics simulation and many animations are locked to 30 FPS. |
|hdr = unknown | |hdr = unknown | ||
|hdr notes = | |hdr notes = | ||
|color blind = limited | |color blind = limited | ||
− | |color blind notes = Base game had color blind support issues with the hacking ui, a fix was bundled with the DLC, requiring owning the Protector Trials or Minerva's Den.<ref> | + | |color blind notes = Base game had color blind support issues with the hacking ui, a fix was bundled with the DLC, requiring owning the Protector Trials or Minerva's Den.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/2010-10-09-bioshock-2-dlc-secretly-fixes-hacking-mini-game-for-colour-blind|title=Game Watcher - BioShock 2 DLC "secretly" fixes hacking mini-game for colour-blind|date=May 2023}}</ref> Meaning the Steam and GOG versions come with them fixed. |
}} | }} | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Bind FOV to key press|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Bind FOV to key press|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | # Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | ||
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|User.ini}}. |
# Scroll down to the <code>[Default]</code> section and bind <code>SetFOV #</code> to any unused key (# being the desired FOV). | # Scroll down to the <code>[Default]</code> section and bind <code>SetFOV #</code> to any unused key (# being the desired FOV). | ||
− | # During the game, press the key you defined in | + | # During the game, press the key you defined in {{file|User.ini}} to set the custom FOV. |
'''Notes''' | '''Notes''' | ||
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===[[Glossary:Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]=== | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Raise AF Above Default Value of 4X|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Raise AF Above Default Value of 4X|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
− | # Go to | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\SP\Builds\Binaries\}}. |
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}. |
# Edit the line <code>LevelOfAnisotropy=4</code> to <code>LevelOfAnisotropy=#</code> where # denotes the max level of AF supported by your graphics card(s). For example, change the line to read <code>LevelOfAnisotropy=16</code>. | # Edit the line <code>LevelOfAnisotropy=4</code> to <code>LevelOfAnisotropy=#</code> where # denotes the max level of AF supported by your graphics card(s). For example, change the line to read <code>LevelOfAnisotropy=16</code>. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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{{Input | {{Input | ||
|key remap = true | |key remap = true | ||
− | |key remap notes = Mouse buttons 4 and 5 are not recognized by the multiplayer key binding menu, but can be manually bound in | + | |key remap notes = Mouse buttons 4 and 5 are not recognized by the multiplayer key binding menu, but can be manually bound in {{file|UserMP.ini}}. |
|acceleration option = true | |acceleration option = true | ||
|acceleration option notes = | |acceleration option notes = | ||
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|xbox prompts = true | |xbox prompts = true | ||
|xbox prompts notes = | |xbox prompts notes = | ||
− | |impulse triggers = | + | |impulse triggers = false |
|impulse triggers notes = | |impulse triggers notes = | ||
|dualshock 4 = true | |dualshock 4 = true | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Hold to duck|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Hold to duck|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | # Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | ||
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|User.ini}}. |
# Replace <code>Aliases[13]=(Command="Toggle bDuck{{!}}Axis aUp Speed=-1200.0",Alias=Duck)</code> with <code>Aliases[13]=(Command="Button bDuck",Alias=Duck)</code>. | # Replace <code>Aliases[13]=(Command="Toggle bDuck{{!}}Axis aUp Speed=-1200.0",Alias=Duck)</code> with <code>Aliases[13]=(Command="Button bDuck",Alias=Duck)</code>. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Hold to aim down sights|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Hold to aim down sights|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | # Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | ||
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|User.ini}}. |
# Find the keybind that has the word "ZoomCycle" attached to it (T by default) | # Find the keybind that has the word "ZoomCycle" attached to it (T by default) | ||
# Replace <code>T=ZoomCycle</code> with <code>T=ZoomCycle {{!}} onRelease ZoomCycle</code> | # Replace <code>T=ZoomCycle</code> with <code>T=ZoomCycle {{!}} onRelease ZoomCycle</code> | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Set AutoAim in Bioshock2SP.ini|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Set AutoAim in Bioshock2SP.ini|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | # Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | ||
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}. |
# Edit the line <code>AutoAim=True</code> to <code>AutoAim=False</code>. | # Edit the line <code>AutoAim=True</code> to <code>AutoAim=False</code>. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Set Vibration in Bioshock2SP.ini|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Set Vibration in Bioshock2SP.ini|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | # Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | ||
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}. |
# Edit the line <code>Vibration=True</code> to <code>Vibration=False</code>. | # Edit the line <code>Vibration=True</code> to <code>Vibration=False</code>. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Inject EVE Hypo|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Inject EVE Hypo|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | # Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | ||
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|User.ini}}. |
# Scroll down to the <code>[Default]</code> section and bind <code>InjectBioAmmo</code> to any unused key. | # Scroll down to the <code>[Default]</code> section and bind <code>InjectBioAmmo</code> to any unused key. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Pick individual items from containers|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Pick individual items from containers|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | # Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | ||
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|User.ini}}. |
# Scroll down to the <code>[ContainerUIActive]</code> section and bind <code>CollectContainerItemInSlot 0</code>, <code>CollectContainerItemInSlot 1</code> and <code>CollectContainerItemInSlot 2</code> to any unused keys. | # Scroll down to the <code>[ContainerUIActive]</code> section and bind <code>CollectContainerItemInSlot 0</code>, <code>CollectContainerItemInSlot 1</code> and <code>CollectContainerItemInSlot 2</code> to any unused keys. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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==Issues unresolved== | ==Issues unresolved== | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
===Mouse sensitivity not correctly adjusting=== | ===Mouse sensitivity not correctly adjusting=== | ||
{{ii}} On some computers, the game's mouse sensitivity will be extremely low, and raising the values makes mouse movements imprecise. | {{ii}} On some computers, the game's mouse sensitivity will be extremely low, and raising the values makes mouse movements imprecise. | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Possible mouse acceleration fix (doesn't work for everybody)|ref=<ref> | + | {{Fixbox|description=Possible mouse acceleration fix (doesn't work for everybody)|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://forums.2k.com/showthread.php?56876-PC-Tweaks-lower-mouse-sens-toggle-duck-and-zoom-aim|title=PC Tweaks: lower mouse sens, toggle duck and zoom/aim - 2K Forums|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix= |
# Set in-game sensitivity to "1" | # Set in-game sensitivity to "1" | ||
# Disable mouse acceleration in-game. | # Disable mouse acceleration in-game. | ||
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===Crash on startup=== | ===Crash on startup=== | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Delete damaged save files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Delete damaged save files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
− | # Go to | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Bioshock2\SaveGames\}}. |
− | # Copy | + | # Copy the save files somewhere as a backup. |
− | # Sort the folder by "Date modified" | + | # Sort the folder by "Date modified". |
− | # Delete damaged save file causing the game to crash on startup | + | # Delete the damaged save file causing the game to crash on startup (this will probably be the newest save and/or quicksave). |
}} | }} | ||
===Game crashes randomly=== | ===Game crashes randomly=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Set "Graphics Quality" to low|ref | + | {{Fixbox|description=Set "Graphics Quality" to low|ref=<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/8850/discussions/0/3032600513506459008/ PSA: PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM CRASHES, TRY THIS FIX! - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</ref>|fix= |
# Go to Graphics settings in-game. | # Go to Graphics settings in-game. | ||
# Set Graphics Quality to Low preset. | # Set Graphics Quality to Low preset. | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Editing launch options|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Editing launch options|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
Use the <code>-nogamma</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]. | Use the <code>-nogamma</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Audio Cutting Out in Combat Sequences=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} On some computers, user audio will cut out during combat sequences. | ||
+ | {{ii}} Issue can be lessened slightly by not using constant-fire weapons such as lasers / hacked sentry bots, or increasing max sound channels in BioShock2SP.ini and Default.ini | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Edit the maximum number of channels|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=284464205|title=Steam Community Guide - Fix audio cutting out|date=2017-02-12}}</ref>|fix= | ||
+ | # Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]]. | ||
+ | # Open {{file|bioshock2SP.ini}}. | ||
+ | # Find the following line, under [FMODAudio.FMODAudioSubsystem], and increase the number of channels. | ||
+ | <pre> | ||
+ | MaxChannels=128 | ||
+ | </pre> | ||
}} | }} | ||
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{{ii}} There are damaged save files bugging up the game's ability to load or save | {{ii}} There are damaged save files bugging up the game's ability to load or save | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Delete damaged save files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Delete damaged save files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
− | # Go to | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Bioshock2\SaveGames\}}. |
− | # Copy | + | # Copy the save files somewhere as a backup. |
− | # Sort the folder by "Date modified" | + | # Sort the folder by "Date modified". |
− | # Delete damaged save file causing the game to crash on startup | + | # Delete the damaged save file causing the game to crash on startup (this will probably be the newest save and/or quicksave). |
}} | }} | ||
===Game crashes in DirectX 10 mode=== | ===Game crashes in DirectX 10 mode=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Increase Texture Streaming Memory Size|ref=<ref>https://steamcommunity.com/app/8850/discussions/0/540741859213676880/</ref>|fix= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Increase Texture Streaming Memory Size|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/8850/discussions/0/540741859213676880/|title=Steam Community|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix= |
{{ii}} This increases the size of the texture cache. | {{ii}} This increases the size of the texture cache. | ||
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}. Steam users will find this in {{folder|{{p|appdata}}\Bioshock2Steam}}. |
− | # Find "TextureStreamingMemoryLimit=512.000000" and increase the amount to something inline with | + | # Find "TextureStreamingMemoryLimit=512.000000" and increase the amount to something inline with the video card (e.g. 2048). |
}} | }} | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Force the game to run in DirectX 9 mode|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Force the game to run in DirectX 9 mode|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix= | ||
{{ii}} This switches the game to DirectX 9 instead of the default DirectX 10. | {{ii}} This switches the game to DirectX 9 instead of the default DirectX 10. | ||
− | # Create a shortcut to | + | # Create a shortcut to {{file|Bioshock2Launcher.exe}} somewhere convenient. |
# Right click this shortcut, select Properties, in the Target box add <code>-dx9</code> in the text field after inserting space after the quotation mark. | # Right click this shortcut, select Properties, in the Target box add <code>-dx9</code> in the text field after inserting space after the quotation mark. | ||
# Now launching the game from this shortcut will force the game to run in DirectX 9. | # Now launching the game from this shortcut will force the game to run in DirectX 9. | ||
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|windows arm app = unknown | |windows arm app = unknown | ||
|windows exe notes = | |windows exe notes = | ||
− | |mac os x powerpc app = | + | |mac os x powerpc app = unknown |
|macos intel 32-bit app = unknown | |macos intel 32-bit app = unknown | ||
|macos intel 64-bit app = true | |macos intel 64-bit app = true | ||
− | |macos arm app = | + | |macos arm app = unknown |
|macos app notes = {{CN|date=August 2015}} | |macos app notes = {{CN|date=August 2015}} | ||
|linux 32-bit executable= unknown | |linux 32-bit executable= unknown | ||
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===Performance tweak (Havok)=== | ===Performance tweak (Havok)=== | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Improving Havok physics engine performance|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Improving Havok physics engine performance|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
− | # Go to | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\SP\Builds\Binaries\}}. |
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|Default.ini}}. |
# Edit the line <code>HavokNumThreads=2</code> to represent the number of cores in your machine's CPU. For example, using a quad-core CPU, change the line to <code>HavokNumThreads=4</code>. | # Edit the line <code>HavokNumThreads=2</code> to represent the number of cores in your machine's CPU. For example, using a quad-core CPU, change the line to <code>HavokNumThreads=4</code>. | ||
− | # Some systems may require doing the same with | + | # Some systems may require doing the same with {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}, located in {{folder|{{p|appdata}}\Bioshock2Steam\}}. |
{{ii}} Using all cores may result in crashing to desktop on some systems. In this case, use only half of your core count. | {{ii}} Using all cores may result in crashing to desktop on some systems. In this case, use only half of your core count. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Improving Engine Memory usage|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Improving Engine Memory usage|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
− | # Go to | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|appdata}}\Bioshock2Steam\}}. |
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}. |
# Search for <code>[Engine.GameEngine]</code> and increase the <code>CacheSizeMegs</code> value under it (maxes out at 512). | # Search for <code>[Engine.GameEngine]</code> and increase the <code>CacheSizeMegs</code> value under it (maxes out at 512). | ||
# Search for the line <code> TextureStreamingMemoryLimit</code>, change this to match your graphics card's VRAM e.g. 2048 for 2 GB | # Search for the line <code> TextureStreamingMemoryLimit</code>, change this to match your graphics card's VRAM e.g. 2048 for 2 GB | ||
Line 670: | Line 680: | ||
{{--}} Pre-existing saved games are not compatible with this fix. | {{--}} Pre-existing saved games are not compatible with this fix. | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Use BioShock 2 fake xlive|ref=<ref> | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use BioShock 2 fake xlive|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://timeslip.users.sourceforge.net/|title=Timeslip's utilities, mods and patches|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix= |
# Download [http://timeslip.users.sourceforge.net/ BioShock 2 fake xlive]. | # Download [http://timeslip.users.sourceforge.net/ BioShock 2 fake xlive]. | ||
− | # Extract {{file|xlive.dll}} to {{ | + | # Extract {{file|xlive.dll}} to {{folder|{{p|game}}\SP\Builds\Binaries\}}. |
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 15:13, 12 May 2024
This page is for the original version. For the remastered version, see BioShock 2 Remastered.
Developers | |
---|---|
2K Marin | |
2K China | |
2K Australia | |
DLC (PC porting) | Iron Galaxy Studios |
Multiplayer | Digital Extremes |
macOS (OS X) | Feral Interactive |
macOS (OS X) | Open Planet Software[1] |
Publishers | |
2K Games | |
OS X | Feral Interactive |
Engines | |
Unreal Engine 2.5 | |
Release dates | |
Windows | February 9, 2010 |
macOS (OS X) | March 29, 2012 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 88 |
IGDB | 87 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase, DLC |
Modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | First-person |
Controls | Direct control |
Genres | Immersive sim, RPG, Shooter |
Art styles | Realistic, Stylized |
Themes | Sci-fi, Steampunk |
Series | BioShock |
BioShock | |
---|---|
BioShock | 2007 |
BioShock 2 | 2010 |
BioShock Infinite | 2013 |
BioShock Remastered | 2016 |
BioShock 2 Remastered | 2016 |
Warnings
- For Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE software.
BioShock 2 is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person immersive sim, RPG and shooter game in the BioShock series.
Steam version DRM switched from Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM to Steam.[2] The Steamworks patch introduced some audio level balance issues.[3]
Ragdoll physics and animations are locked at 30 FPS.
General information
- 2K Games Forum
- Official support knowledgebase
- GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
- GOG.com Support Page
- Steam Community Discussions
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | SecuROM 7 and SecuROM PA DRM. Optional Steam unlock.[2] Russian retail has separate achievements. |
|||
GamersGate | ||||
GOG.com | Bundled with BioShock 2 Remastered | |||
Green Man Gaming | ||||
Humble Store | ||||
Steam | Bundled with BioShock 2 Remastered | |||
Games for Windows Marketplace (unavailable) | [4] |
- All non-Steam/GOG Windows versions require Games for Windows - LIVE DRM.[Note 1]
- All Windows retail and digital versions of BioShock 2 activate on Steam.[2] Activation unlocks all DLC, including Minerva's Den, and BioShock 2 Remastered.
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
The Protector Trials | Included in the Steam version. | |
Minerva's Den | ||
Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack | Included in the Steam version. | |
Zigo & Blanche | Included in the Steam version. | |
Rapture Metro Pack | Included in the Steam version. | |
Kill 'em Kindly | Released for free. |
Essential improvements
Patches
- A Title Update is available for the Games for Windows - LIVE version. The game should automatically prompt for the update when using a LIVE profile; the updates can also be downloaded manually (update 1, update 2).
Fix audio balance issues
The latest patch (1.5.0.019) introduced some audio balance issues, most notably gun fire is much quieter as well as other sound effects. The sound effects can be restored by downloading a modified .ini file:
Restore correct audio settings[citation needed] |
---|
|
Skip intro videos
Use -nointro parameter[citation needed] |
---|
Use |
BioShock Tweaker
- Allows you to change settings that are not normally adjustable from the options menu (i.e. custom resolution). Point the program at the game's configuration file location.
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %APPDATA%\Bioshock2Steam |
macOS (OS X) | |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/8850/pfx/[Note 2] |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioshock2\SaveGames\ %APPDATA%\Bioshock2Steam\<user-id>.profile |
macOS (OS X) | |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/8850/pfx/[Note 2] |
- Achievements and saves for the Steam and Games for Windows - LIVE versions are separate (a new game is required when switching versions).
- SP saves:
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioshock2\SaveGames
- MP saves:
%APPDATA%\Bioshock2Steam\<user-id>.profile
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
GOG Galaxy | ||
OneDrive | Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers. | |
Steam Cloud |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | |||
Multi-monitor | Use Flawless Widescreen or Widescreen Fixer with this plugin to fix HUD scaling. | ||
Ultra-widescreen | Use Flawless Widescreen to fix the HUD.[5] | ||
4K Ultra HD | |||
Field of view (FOV) | See Field of view (FOV). | ||
Windowed | |||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | See Anisotropic filtering (AF). | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | See Anti-aliasing (AA). | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | |||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | No frame rate or refresh rate cap.[6] Physics simulation and many animations are locked to 30 FPS. | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. | ||
Color blind mode | Base game had color blind support issues with the hacking ui, a fix was bundled with the DLC, requiring owning the Protector Trials or Minerva's Den.[7] Meaning the Steam and GOG versions come with them fixed. |
Field of view (FOV)
- Custom FOV settings will not work in multiplayer.
3rd party fixes[citation needed] |
---|
|
Bind FOV to key press[citation needed] |
---|
Notes
|
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Raise AF Above Default Value of 4X[citation needed] |
---|
|
Anti-aliasing (AA)
- MSAA can be forced through your graphics driver's control panel.
- SGSSAA can be forced in DX9 mode via Nvidia Profile Inspector with the compatibility flag
0x000010C1
[8]
Ambient Occlusion (AO)
- AO can be forced through your graphics driver's control panel.
- HDAO+ (denominated High quality) can be forced in DX9 mode via Nvidia Profile Inspector with the compatibility flag
0x0002002D
[9]
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | Mouse buttons 4 and 5 are not recognized by the multiplayer key binding menu, but can be manually bound in UserMP.ini . |
|
Mouse acceleration | ||
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | ||
Full controller support | ||
Controller remapping | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | |
Controller sensitivity | ||
Controller Y-axis inversion |
Controller types |
---|
XInput-compatible controllers | ||
---|---|---|
Xbox button prompts | ||
Impulse Trigger vibration |
PlayStation controllers | ||
---|---|---|
PlayStation button prompts | ||
Light bar support | ||
Adaptive trigger support | ||
DualSense haptic feedback support | ||
Connection modes |
Generic/other controllers |
---|
Additional information | ||
---|---|---|
Controller hotplugging | ||
Haptic feedback | ||
Digital movement supported | ||
Simultaneous controller+KB/M |
Hold to duck/aim down sights
Hold to duck[citation needed] |
---|
|
Hold to aim down sights[citation needed] |
---|
|
Disable auto-aim
Set AutoAim in Bioshock2SP.ini[citation needed] |
---|
|
Disable Xbox 360 Controller vibration
Set Vibration in Bioshock2SP.ini[citation needed] |
---|
|
Inject EVE Hypo
Inject EVE Hypo[citation needed] |
---|
|
Pick individual items from containers
Pick individual items from containers[citation needed] |
---|
|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | ||
Surround sound | Up to 7.1 output | |
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
Royalty free audio |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
French | ||||
German | ||||
Hungarian | Fan translation, download. | |||
Italian | ||||
Polish | Official localization by Cenega – retail only. Fan patch which corrects some issues of the original translation here.[10] | |||
Brazilian Portuguese | Fan translation, download. | |||
Russian | Retail only. Patch for digital release here. | |||
Spanish |
Network
- Online features in non-Steam versions require a Microsoft account (optional for offline play).
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Local play | 10 | Use Nucleus Co-op. | ||
LAN play | ||||
Online play | 10 |
VR support
3D modes | State | GG3D | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nvidia 3D Vision | Use Helix Mod: Bioshock 2 (DirectX 9 only) | |||
TriDef 3D | ||||
vorpX | G3D, DirectVR Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list. |
Devices | |||
---|---|---|---|
3RD Space Gaming Vest |
Issues unresolved
Mouse sensitivity not correctly adjusting
- On some computers, the game's mouse sensitivity will be extremely low, and raising the values makes mouse movements imprecise.
Possible mouse acceleration fix (doesn't work for everybody)[11] |
---|
|
Issues fixed
Crash on startup
Delete damaged save files[citation needed] |
---|
|
Game crashes randomly
Set "Graphics Quality" to low[12] |
---|
|
Menu flickering
Disable or force vsync[citation needed] |
---|
|
Game brightness is extremely high in DirectX 9 mode
- This behavior is triggered by notification popups from the Steam overlay
Disable Steam Overlay[citation needed] |
---|
|
Editing launch options[citation needed] |
---|
Use the |
Audio Cutting Out in Combat Sequences
- On some computers, user audio will cut out during combat sequences.
- Issue can be lessened slightly by not using constant-fire weapons such as lasers / hacked sentry bots, or increasing max sound channels in BioShock2SP.ini and Default.ini
Edit the maximum number of channels[13] |
---|
MaxChannels=128 |
Left Plasmid hand disappears
- This glitch is especially likely when using the Scout-Plasmid.[14] Therefore, it is advisable to quick save before using it.
Respawn[citation needed] |
---|
|
Game cannot load or save
- There are damaged save files bugging up the game's ability to load or save
Delete damaged save files[citation needed] |
---|
|
Game crashes in DirectX 10 mode
Increase Texture Streaming Memory Size[15] |
---|
|
Force the game to run in DirectX 9 mode[citation needed] |
---|
Notes
|
Uninstall update KB2670838[16][citation needed] |
---|
|
No Little Sister voice acting
- Bug causes Little Sisters to become mute.
Set sound quality of standard sound device[citation needed] |
---|
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9.0c, 10 | |
OpenGL | 2.0 | OS X only. |
Shader Model support | 3, 4 |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows | |||
macOS (OS X) | [citation needed] |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Physics | Havok | |
Audio | FMOD | |
Cutscenes | Bink Video, Flash | |
Multiplayer | Games for Windows - LIVE, Steamworks |
Mods
A collection of mods are available at this thread.
Performance tweak (Havok)
Improving Havok physics engine performance[citation needed] |
---|
|
Improving Engine Memory usage[citation needed] |
---|
|
Bypass Games for Windows - LIVE
- A fake version of
xlive.dll
can allow you to play the single-player without having GFWL installed. - Pre-existing saved games are not compatible with this fix.
Use BioShock 2 fake xlive[17] |
---|
|
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | XP SP2 | Vista, 7 |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 4 530 3.0 GHz AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 2.4 GHz |
Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 2.13 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ 2.6 GHz |
System memory (RAM) | 2 GB | 3 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 11 GB | |
Video card (GPU) | Nvidia GeForce 7800 GT ATI Radeon X1900 256 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible | Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT ATI Radeon HD 4830 512 MB of VRAM DirectX 10 compatible |
Sound (audio device) | DirectX 9.0c compatible |
macOS (OS X) | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 10.9.5 (Mavericks) | 10.10.5 (Yosemite) |
Processor (CPU) | 2 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
System memory (RAM) | 4 GB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 18 GB | |
Video card (GPU) | 256 MB of VRAM | 512 MB of VRAM |
Notes
- ↑ Games for Windows - LIVE DRM features: Legacy activation, supports local profiles.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Games with Steam Cloud support may also store data in
~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/8850/
. - Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (8850) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ Feral Support | BioShock 2
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 News - BioShock 2 Updated
- ↑ Fix Quiet Guns and Unbalanced Audio - Restoring the Retail Audio Mix
- ↑ BioShock 2 - Games For Windows - last accessed on 2022-11-16
- ↑ BioShock 2 - last accessed on June 27, 2018
- ↑ New 120Hz Games Report - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Game Watcher - BioShock 2 DLC "secretly" fixes hacking mini-game for colour-blind - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ http://www.forum-3dcenter.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=9254703&postcount=2348
- ↑ https://forums.guru3d.com/showpost.php?p=4799483&postcount=271
- ↑ Bioshock 2 Steamworks FAQ
- ↑ PC Tweaks: lower mouse sens, toggle duck and zoom/aim - 2K Forums - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ PSA: PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM CRASHES, TRY THIS FIX! - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ Steam Community Guide - Fix audio cutting out - last accessed on 2017-02-12
- ↑ Frequent Loss of Plasmid Hand - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ Steam Community - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=411190623
- ↑ Timeslip's utilities, mods and patches - last accessed on May 2023